Abstract

Changes in the optical fiber properties due to both intrinsic and extrinsic variations result in polarization mode dispersion and state of polarization (SOP) becoming stochastic in nature. The statistics for first-order PMD and the second-order PMD approach the Maxwellian and Foschini et al. [IEEE Photonics Technol. Lett. 12, 293 (2000)] distributions, respectively. In this Letter, we investigate a theoretical statistical distribution that corres ponds to output SOP variations. The SOP variations can either be with wavelength (for buried fiber) or with time (for aerial fiber). Our results show that the statistics of the relative SOP changes approach the distribution proposed by Foschini et al..

Figures (2)

Probability density function of the change in SOP angles in degrees per unit wavelength for a buried fiber at a local exchange station in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 28.2km long, and with wavelength range from 1520 to 1570nm in steps of 0.05nm.

Rates of SOP changes in degrees per second taken for 30min⁡ in June 2009 during the winter season in Port Elizabeth, South Africa: (a) aerial data taken from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and (b) aerial data taken from 12:20 to 12:50 p.m.